How to Save Money Buying an E-Scooter in Singapore

With prices of an e-scooter in Singapore well in the thousands, you want to make sure you're getting the best deal.

If  a car is out of the question, and a motorised bicycle is too bulky, an electric scooter or e-scooter might be your best choice. But e-scooters in Singapore can vary widely in price and quality, and it’s generally not cheap. 

Here’s how to make sure you get the best deal on an electronic scooter.

How Much Are E-Scooters in Singapore?

The typical price of an e-scooter in Singapore seems to be at around S$1,800, although there are many that cost less. From our research, the cheapest locally sold model is the ERV e-scooter, at around S$400.

Here’s how to make sure you aren’t overspending on an electronic scooter:

Don’t Get More Power Than You Need

At present, the most powerful e-scooters on the market can hit prices well above S$7,000, as well as speeds exceeding 50 kilometres an hour. The more powerful the e-scooter, the more expensive it gets.

For urban commuters however, there is no need to go that fast. It’s also quite difficult to resell these models at even close to their retail price, as few people will pay over S$7,000 for an e-scooter. For this price, you can actually get a motorcycle.

Buy for practicality, not unnecessary power.

Stalk Auction Sites for Great Deals

E-scooters abound on auction sites like eBay, and there is sometimes a big price discrepancy. Remember what we said about the expensive ones being hard to sell in point 1? Well the most expensive e-scooter ranges tend to also come with the heftiest discounts on eBay (few people seem willing to go beyond S$5,000, even for the highest end models).

For more practical e-scooters, they can often be picked up at auction sites for about 10 per cent less than brand new (depending on how aggressive the bidding is).

Look for the Manufacturer’s Warranty, Not the Store Warranty

Having a store warranty means the store guarantees the product. In the event that the store closes down, the warranty is useless. For this reason, it’s preferable to get the manufacturer’s warranty instead. This could save you a big bill if there are defective components that need to be replaced.

Shop with the Right Credit Card

Buy your e-scooter with a credit card for large purchases so you can earn extra points or cashback from it. A travel card like the Citi PremierMiles Visa Credit Card gives you 1.2 miles for every S$1 you spend in Singapore. This means that a S$1,800 e-scooter can net you 2,160 miles, which will go a long way in helping you earn a free flight.

If you're planning to buy it online, try a credit card with online shopping rebates like the Standard Chartered SingPost Platinum Card. This card gives 7% on eligible online purchases, capped at S$60 each month. For an e-scooter in the S$500 rage, S$60 off is a sizable discount.

Either way, make sure you are able to pay for the e-scooter's full price by the time your bill is due. Otherwise, you fork out extra for late fees and high interest rates. Not to mention that you won't get your air miles or cashback with an overdue balance on your card.

Take Good Care of Your E-Scooter

Using your e-scooter the right way not only makes it last longer; it will help you avoid costly repairs and expensive medical bills.

Use Safety Gear

Even at just 25 kilometres an hour, you can cause serious damage running into a lamp post or being pitched into the ground. Serious damage to yourself, that is. To prevent your e-scooter costing you a medical bill, wear a helmet along with elbow and knee pads. This isn’t regulated, but it’s a good idea.

Don’t Treat it Like a Dirt Bike

Nothing will wear out an e-scooter faster than using it like a dirt bike. Avoid running it across gravelly ground all the time, or across rough and muddy terrain. Note that damp grass can short out the motor.

If you do use it on muddy ground (or if you went across the soil in heavy rain), remember to give everything a good clean when you get back. Keep it dry so you won’t end up spending money on repairs.

Take Breaks Between Use

Tired of burning out S$30 to S$50 batteries all the time? That might mean you’re causing the battery to overheat, by using the e-scooter without sufficient pauses. Remember, it’s hot in Singapore already. Take intermittent breaks (at least a five minute break with every 45 minutes of use), to stretch your battery life.

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